Best not to try to force a BLO finish to dry, I hang mine outdoors in the fresh air and sunshine. Rush a BLO finish and try to apply another coat before the previous one is completely dry and you'll have a sticky mess that will not dry. As you've realized patience is the order of the day here. Good luck with your project it looks like a fine knife for a young lady.
True....I do that intentionally to my axes every year or two. They eventually dry but boy are they "grippy" while it lasts.
I sure wouldn't want that on a knife though.
